U.S. patent number 6,888,351 [Application Number 10/610,250] was granted by the patent office on 2005-05-03 for interface for coupling an array of coils to a magnetic resonance imaging system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Medrad, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kenneth W. Belt, Michael Reichel, J. Michael Watral.
United States Patent |
6,888,351 |
Belt , et al. |
May 3, 2005 |
Interface for coupling an array of coils to a magnetic resonance
imaging system
Abstract
A coil interface is capable of coupling an array of coils to a
magnetic resonance (MR) system. The MR system is equipped with a
predetermined number of receivers. The coil interface includes a
plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports, and an
interface circuit disposed therebetween. The plurality of input
ports is used to couple the interface circuit to the coils of the
array. The plurality of output ports is used to couple the
interface circuit to the receivers of the MR system. The interface
circuit is used to selectively interconnect at least two of the
input ports to at least one of the output ports, thereby allowing
the array of coils to be selectively operated in any one of a
plurality of operational modes.
Inventors: |
Belt; Kenneth W. (Fort
Atkinson, WI), Reichel; Michael (Pittsburgh, PA), Watral;
J. Michael (Freeport, PA) |
Assignee: |
Medrad, Inc. (Indianola,
PA)
|
Family
ID: |
25526331 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/610,250 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
015190 |
Nov 26, 2001 |
6714012 |
|
|
|
978718 |
Nov 26, 1997 |
6323648 |
Nov 27, 2001 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
324/318;
324/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01R
33/3415 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01R
33/34 (20060101); G01R 33/3415 (20060101); G01V
003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;324/318,319,322,309,307,300,321 ;600/410 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Shrivastav; Brij B.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stevenson; James R. Bradley;
Gregory
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application for patent is continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/015,190, filed Nov. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,714,012 which itself is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
08/978,718, filed Nov. 26, 1997, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
6,323,648 on Nov. 27, 2001. This application thus claims the
benefit of the filing date of the great-grandparent application,
Nov. 26, 1997.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A coil interface for coupling an array of N coils to a magnetic
resonance (MR) system, said MR system equipped with M inputs, said
coil interface comprising: (a) N input ports for coupling to said N
coils of said array; (b) M output ports for coupling to said M
inputs of said MR system; and (c) an interface circuit for
selectively interconnecting said N input ports to said M output
ports so that said array of N coils can be selectively operated in
a plurality of operational modes, with at least one of said
operational modes permitting phased array acquisition.
2. The coil interface of claim 1 wherein said array of N coils is
an array of surface coils.
3. The coil interface of claim 2 wherein said surface coils of said
array are capable of being deployed for imaging a vasculature of a
patient.
4. The coil interface of claim 3 wherein said array of surface
coils include coils adapted for positioning against at least one of
a posterior surface and an anterior surface of said patient.
5. The coil interface of claim 4 wherein said plurality of
operational modes includes (A) a unilateral left mode of operation,
(B) a unilateral right mode of operation, and (C) a bilateral mode
of operation.
6. The coil interface of claim 5 wherein in said unilateral left
mode of operation certain of said surface coils of said array are
used to image at least one of a lower left leg region and a left
ankle and foot region of said patient.
7. The coil interface of claim 5 wherein in said unilateral right
mode of operation certain of said surface coils of said array are
used to image at least one of a lower right leg region and a right
ankle and foot region of said patient.
8. The coil interface of claim 5 wherein in said bilateral mode of
operation certain of said surface coils of said array are used to
image said patient over at least one of a renal and abdominal
region, an abdominal and femoral region, a femoral and knee region,
a lower leg region, an ankles and feet region, and a feet
region.
9. The coil interface of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
operational modes includes (A) a unilateral left mode of operation,
(B) a unilateral right mode of operation, and (C) a bilateral mode
of operation.
10. The coil interface of claim 9 wherein in said unilateral left
mode of operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to
image at least one of a were left leg region and a left ankle and
foot region of said patient.
11. The coil interface of claim 9 wherein in said unilateral right
mode of operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to
image at least one of a lower right leg region and a right ankle
and foot region of said patient.
12. The coil interface of claim 9 wherein in said bilateral mode of
operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to image
said patient over at least one of a renal and abdominal region, an
abdominal and femoral region, a femoral and knee region, a lower
leg region, an ankles and feet region, and a feet region.
13. A method of operating an array of N coils with a magnetic
resonance (MR) system, said MR system having M inputs, said method
comprising the steps of: (a) providing N input ports for coupling
to said N coils of said array; (b) providing M output ports for
coupling to said M inputs of said MR system; and (c) selectively
interconnecting said N input ports to said M output ports so that
said array of N coils can be selectively operated in a plurality of
operational modes, with at least one of said operational modes
permitting phased array acquisition.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein said array of N coils is an
array of surface coils.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said surface coils of said array
are capable of being deployed for imaging a vasculature of a
patient.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said array of surface coils
include coils adapted for positioning against at least one of a
posterior surface an anterior surface of said patient.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein said plurality of operational
modes includes (A) a unilateral left mode of operation, (B) a
unilateral right mode of operation, and (C) a bilateral mode of
operation.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein in said lateral left mode of
operation certain of said surface coils of said array are used to
image at least on of a lower left leg region and a left ankle and
foot region of said patient.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein in said unilateral right mode of
operation certain of said surface coils of said array are used to
image at least one of a lower right leg region and a right ankle
and foot region of said patient.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein in said bilateral mode of
operation certain of said surface coils of said array are used to
image said patient over at least one of a renal and abdominal
region, an abdominal and femoral region, a femoral and knee region,
a lower leg region, an ankles and feet region, and a feet
region.
21. The method of claim 13 wherein said plurality of operational
modes includes (A) a unilateral left mode of operation, (B) a
unilateral right mode of operation, and (C) a bilateral mode of
operation.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein in said unilateral left mode of
operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to image
at least one of a lower left leg region and a left ankle and foot
region of said patient.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein in said unilateral right mode of
operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to image
at least one of a lower right leg region and a right ankle and foot
region of said patient.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein in said bilateral mode of
operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to image
said patient over at least one of a renal and abdominal region, an
abdominal and femoral region, a femoral and knee region, a lower
leg region, an ankles and feet region, and a feet region.
25. A magnetic resonance (MR) system comprising: (a) a scanner
having M inputs; (b) an array of N coils; and (c) a coil interface
for coupling said array of N coils to said scanner, said coil
interface including: (I) N input ports for coupling to said N coils
of said array; (II) M output ports for coupling to said M inputs of
said scanner; and (III) an interface circuit for selectively
interconnecting said N input ports to said M output ports so that
said array of N coils can be selectively operated in a plurality of
operational modes, with at least one of said operational modes
permitting phased array acquisition.
26. The MR system of claim 25 wherein said array of coils is an
array of surface coils.
27. The MR system of claim 26 wherein said surface coils of said
array are capable of being deployed for imaging a vasculature of a
patient.
28. The MR system of claim 27 wherein said array of surface coils
include coils adapted for positioning against at least one of a
posterior surface an anterior surface of said patient.
29. The MR system of claim 28 wherein said plurality of operational
modes includes (A) a unilateral left mode of operation, (B) a
unilateral right mode of operation, and (C) a bilateral mode of
operation.
30. The MR system of claim 29 wherein in said unilateral left mode
of operation certain of said surface coils of said array are used
to image at least one of a lower left leg region and a left ankle
and foot region of said patient.
31. The MR system of claim 29 wherein in said unilateral right mode
of operation certain of said surface coils of said array are used
to image at least one of a lower right leg region and a right ankle
and foot region of said patient.
32. The MR system of claim 29 wherein in s id bilateral mode of
operation certain of said surface coils of said array are used to
image said patient over at least one of a renal and abdominal
region, an abdominal and femoral region, a femoral and knee region,
a lower leg region, an ankles and feet region, and a feet
region.
33. The MR system of claim 25 wherein said plurality of operational
modes includes (A) a unilateral left mode of operation, (B) a
unilateral right mode of operation, and (C) a bilateral mode of
operation.
34. The MR system of claim 33 wherein in said unilateral left mode
of operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to
image at least one of a lower left leg region and a left ankle and
foot region of said patient.
35. The MR system of claim 33 wherein in said unilateral right mode
of operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to
image at least one of a lower right leg region and a right ankle
and foot region of said patient.
36. The MR system of claim 33 wherein in said bilateral mode of
operation certain of said N coils of said array are used to image
said patient over at least one of a renal and abdominal region, an
abdominal and femoral region, a femoral and knee region, a lower
leg region, an ankles and feet region, and a feet region.
37. A coil interface for coupling an array of N coils to a magnetic
resonance (MR) system, said MR system having M inputs, said coil
interface comprising: (a) N input ports for coupling to said N
coils of said array; (b) M output ports for coupling to said M
inputs of said MR system; and (c) an interface circuit capable of
(I) selectively coupling a set of at least two of said N input
ports to an equal number of said M output ports and (II)
selectively coupling at least said set of said N input ports to a
lesser number of said M output ports, so that said array can be
selectively operated in a plurality of operational modes.
38. A coil interface for coupling N coils of a coil system to a
magnetic resonance (MR) system having M inputs, said coil interface
comprising: (a) N input ports for coupling to said N coils of said
coil system; (b) M output ports for coupling to said M inputs of
said MR system; and (c) an interface circuit for changeably
interconnecting said N input ports, and thus said N coils, with
said M input ports and thereby enable said coil system to be
selectively operated in a plurality of operational modes.
39. The coil interface of claim 38 wherein changeably
interconnecting said N input ports with said M output ports
includes enabling at least one of (I) which of said N input ports
are to be interconnected to which of said M output ports and (II)
how many of said N input ports are to be interconnected to which of
said output ports.
40. The coil interface of claim 38 wherein at least one of said
inputs of said MR system has a preamplifier connected thereto for
connection to said M output port of said coil interface
corresponding thereto.
41. The coil interface of claim 38 wherein said interface circuit
includes electronically controlled switches and combiners for
enabling predetermined one(s) of said N input ports to be
selectively interconnected to said M output ports.
42. The coil interface of claim 38 wherein said N coils is an array
of surface coils.
43. The coil interface of claim 42 wherein said surface coil of
said array are capable of being deployed for imaging a vasculature
of a patient.
44. The coil interface of claim 43 wherein said array of surface
coils include coils adapted for positioning against at least one of
a posterior surface and an anterior surface of said patient.
45. The coil interface of claim 44 wherein said plurality of
operational modes includes (A) a unilateral left mode of operation,
(B) a unilateral right mode of operation, and (C) a bilateral mode
of operation.
46. The coil interface of claim 45 wherein in said unilateral left
mode of operation certain of said surface coils of said array are
used to image at least one of a lower left leg region and a left
ankle and foot region of said patient.
47. The coil interface of claim 45 wherein in said unilateral right
mode of operation certain of said surface coils of said array are
used to image at least one of a lower right leg region and a right
ankle and foot region of said patient.
48. The coil interface of claim 45 wherein in said bilateral mode
of operation certain of said surface coils of said array are used
to image said patient over at least one of a renal and abdominal
region, an abdominal and femoral region, a femoral and knee region,
a lower leg region, an ankles and feet region, and a feet
region.
49. The coil interface of claim 38 wherein said plurality of
operational modes includes (A) a unilateral left mode of operation,
(B) a unilateral right mode of operation, and (C) a bilateral mode
of operation.
50. The coil interface of claim 49 wherein in said unilateral left
mode of operation certain of said N coils of said coil system are
used to image at least one of a lower left leg region and a left
ankle and foot region of said patient.
51. The coil interface of claim 49 wherein in said unilateral right
mode of operation certain of said N coils of said coil system are
used to image at least one of a lower right leg region and a right
ankle and foot region of said patient.
52. The coil interface of claim 49 wherein in said bilateral mode
of operation certain of said N coils of said coil system are used
to image said patient over at least one of a renal and abdominal
region, an abdominal and femoral region, a femoral and knee region,
a lower leg region, an ankles and feet region, and a feet region.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to nuclear magnetic resonance ("NMR")
imaging and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for
imaging the peripheral vasculature.
Initially, NMR imaging systems utilized receiver coils which
surrounded the entire sample (for example a human patient) that was
to be imaged. These remote coils had the advantage that the
sensitivity was, to a first approximation, substantially constant
over the entire region being imaged. While this uniformity in
sensitivity is not strictly characteristic of such remote coils,
the sensitivity is substantially constant to a sufficient degree
that most reconstruction techniques assume a constant coil
sensitivity. Because of their large size the remote coils suffer
from a relative insensitivity to individual spins.
For certain applications, a surface coil is preferable to a remote
coil. Surface coils can be made much smaller in geometry than
remote coils and for medical diagnostic use can be applied near,
on, or inside the body of a patient. This is especially important
where attention is being directed to imaging a small region within
the patient, rather than an entire anatomical cross section. The
use of a surface coil also reduces the noise contribution from
electrical losses in the body, with respect to a corresponding
remote coil, while maximizing the desired signal. NMR imaging
systems thus typically use a small surface coil for localized
high-resolution imaging.
A disadvantage of the surface coil however, is its limited field of
view. A single surface coil can only effectively image that region
of the sample having lateral dimensions comparable to the surface
coil diameter. Therefore, the surface coil necessarily restricts
the field of view and inevitably leads to a tradeoff between
resolution and field of view. The size of the surface coil is
constrained by the intrinsic signal to noise ratio of the coil.
Generally, larger coils induce greater patient sample losses and
therefore have a larger noise component, while smaller coils have
lower noise but in turn restrict the field of view to a smaller
region.
One technique for extending the field-of-view limitation of a
single surface coil is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,162 to
Roemer et al. Roemer et al. describes a set of surface coils
arrayed with overlapping fields of view. Each of the surface coils
is positioned so as to have substantially no interaction with all
adjacent surface coils. A different NMR response signal is received
at each different one of the surface coils from an associated
portion of the sample enclosed within an imaging volume defined by
the array. Each different NMR response signal is used to construct
a different one of a like plurality of NMR images of the sample,
with the plurality of different images then being combined to
produce a single composite NMR image. Roemer et al. describes a
four-coil array for imaging the human spine.
While an increased number of surface coils may be used to increase
the field of view, NMR system scanners typically have a limited
number of preamplifier inputs. The number of preamplifier inputs is
therefore a design limitation in the design of phased array surface
coils. A disadvantage of known phased array surface coils,
therefore, is that e surface coil array may include only as many
coils as can be directly connected to the preamplifiers of the
system scanner.
One technique for constructing images of areas of greater size from
the limited field of view of known surface coil combinations is to
move the surface us after successive scans. This technique however,
requires excessive scan room intervention. That is, after each
scan, a technician enters the scan room to physically re-position
the coils This may increase examination time and increase the
likelihood of a patient rejecting the procedure.
It would be desirable to obtain increased field of view without
scan room intervention.
It would also be desirable to have an improved phased array surface
coil for providing a large field of view. It is further desirable
to utilize a greater number of surface coils in the array.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a coil
interface is provided. The coil interface includes N coils for
sensing image signals and a number of switches connected to the N
coils. The coil interface also includes circuitry for selecting a
group of the N coils. The selection may be made by enabling a
selected group of the number of switches in response to a group
selector input. The coil interface further includes a number. M, of
outputs to an NMR scanner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic design of a system for receiving an NMR
response signal in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic representations of a peripheral
vascular array that is operable with the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a housing for the peripheral
vascular array shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C schematically illustrate the capability of the
peripheral vascular array housing shown in FIG. 3 to accommodate a
variety of body types.
FIGS. 5 through 16 are electrical schematic diagram of the surface
coils in the peripheral vascular array shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an NMR scanner and a 20-coil surface
coil array that uses an interface in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a coil group table showing groups of surface coils, a
mode switch setting, surface coils selected by a particular group
and comments regarding an image obtained using the selected group
of surface coils.
FIG. 19 is an electrical schematic of the T/R driver shown in FIG.
17.
FIG. 20 is an electrical schematic of the RF switch array shown in
FIG. 17.
FIGS. 21A through 21C are electrical schematics of the RF switches
shown in FIG. 20.
FIGS. 22A and 22B are electrical schematics of a preferred
implementation of the RF switch array shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 23A illustrates a programmable logic device in a preferred
implementation of the control logic shown in FIG. 17.
FIGS. 23B and 23C are state tables for the control logic shown in
FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for receiving an NMR
response signal in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The system includes a surface coil array 10 that
is connected by an interface 20 to an NMR scanner 30. The surface
coil array 10 includes a number, N, of surface coils 12. Each of
the surface coils 12 is electrically connected through a
transmit/receive ("T/R") bias circuit 21 to an RF switch/combiner
22 in the interface 20. The RF switch/combiner 22 has a plurality
of outputs 23 that are connected to a plurality of receiver
preamplifiers 32 in the NMR scanner 30.
The interface 20 also includes a control logic circuit 24, which is
coupled to and controls the RF switch/combiner 22 and the T/R bias
21. The control logic circuit 24 has three inputs. The first input
is a DC power input 26, which is provided by a power supply 34 in
the NMR scanner 30. The second input is a coil select input 28. The
third input is a mode select input 25. The control logic circuit 24
selectively activates a predetermined arrangement of surface coils
12 in accordance with the coil select input 28 and the mode select
input 25.
As shown in FIG. 1, the coil select input 28 originates from the
NMR scanner 30. However, the coil select input 28 may alternatively
be provided to the control logic circuit 24 from another source
that is external to the interface 20, as illustrated by the dashed
coil select input 29 in FIG. 1. The coil select input 28 is
preferably a DC control signal. Blocking capacitors may therefore
be used at the outputs 23 of the RF switch/combiner 22 to block DC
from the RF switch 22. In a similar manner, RF chokes may be used
on the coil select input 28 to prevent RF signals from reaching the
control logic circuit 24. The design of DC blocks and RF chokes are
well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. When the coil
select input 28 originates from the NMR scanner 30, it may be
superimposed on some or all of the outputs 23. As shown in FIG. 1,
four outputs 23 are used, such that the coil select signal 28 may
be treated as a 4-bit word.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the DC power input 26 is provided
by the power supply 34 in the NMR scanner 30. However, the DC power
input 26 may alternatively be provided by a power supply, such as a
battery, contained within or connected to the interface 20.
Preferably, the battery is constructed of materials that are not
responsive to and do not adversely effect the magnetic fields in
the NMR examination room. For example, the battery may be a
rechargeable lead-acid battery with a gel electrolyte and a plastic
housing, such as the Gel Cell.TM. batteries that are commercially
available from Globe. As a still further alternative, the DC power
input 26 may be provided by any DC source that is external to the
scanner 30. These alternatives are particularly appropriate when
the scanner 30 either does not provide a DC power supply output or
provides a DC power supply output that is insufficient to power the
interface 20 and the array 10.
During imaging, the surface coils 12 that are activated to the
receive state produce RF signals that are coupled to the RF
switch/combiner 22. The outputs 23 of the RF switch/combiner 22 are
then coupled to preamplifiers 32 in the NMR scanner 30. The
operation of the interface 20 is described in greater detail below
with reference to FIGS. 17 through 22.
The scanner 30 includes a predetermined number, M, of the receiver
preamplifiers 32. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the interface 20, as described below, allows a
surface coil array 10 having a great number, N, of surface coils 12
than the number, M, of receiver preamplifiers 32, to be connected
to the scanner 30 (ie. N.gtoreq.M).
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the array 10 is a
receive-only, phased array surface coil and the NMR scanner 30 is
capable of operating in a phased array receiving mode. Such NMR
scanners are commercially available. For example, the Signa.TM.
family of magnetic resonance imaging systems, equipped with phased
array capability, are available from GE Medical Systems, Inc. of
Waukesha, Wis. These scanners are designed to accept up to eight
preamplifier inputs (M=8).
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the surface coil array 10 is a peripheral vascular array. The
peripheral vascular array is useful for studies relating to
peripheral vascular disease. These studies may include deep vein
thrombosis screening, aortic runoff studies, distal vessel patency,
the determination of the existence location, length, and severity
of stenoses, and the search for patent distal vessels that are
suitable for bypass grafts. The peripheral vascular array is
therefore preferably capable of imaging vasculature from the area
of the kidneys and descending through the lower extremities to the
feet. Because of this large field of view, the peripheral vascular
coil may also be useful for applications involving soft tissue
imaging, such as screening for metastic disease, and long bone
imaging.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show a schematic representation of a peripheral
vascular array 40 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. In FIG. 2A, an arrangement of the surface coils
in the array 40 is illustrated. The peripheral vascular array 40
includes ten posterior coils, 42 through 51, and ten anterior
coils, 52 through 61. Each of the coils 42 through 61 is a surface
coil that receives signals from hydrogen protons during NMR
imaging.
Referring again to FIG. 2A, surface coils 42, 43, 52 and 53 are
single loop coils. Surface coils 44a, 44b and 45a, 45b are
counter-rotating loops. Surface coils 54a, 54b and 55a, 55b are
co-rotating loops. The surface coils in the lower leg section,
surface coils 46-51 and 56-61, are single loops when operated in
unilateral mode, as described below. In bile mode, which is also
described below, surface coil pairs (46, 47), (48, 49) and (60, 61)
are combined as co-rotating loops and surface coil pairs (50, 51),
(56, 57) and (58, 59) are combined as counter-rotating loops.
FIG. 2B illustrates how the surface coils shown in FIG. 2A may be
arranged about the patient to obtain images of the vascular
structures of the abdomen, pelvis and lower limbs. In particular,
the peripheral vascular array 40 may obtain images of the vascular
structures from the renal arteries through the feet without moving
the patient or the array 40. Thus, the peripheral vascular array 40
advantageously allows a large region of the patient to be imaged
without requiring scan room intervention by an operator. This may
decrease examination times and minimize the likelihood of patient
rejection.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, with the exception of the surface
coils 42, 43 and 52, 53, where an anteriorly located surface coil
overlies a posteriorly located oil, one of the coils is of the
co-rotating type and the other is of the counter-rotating type. In
addition, where adjacent surface coils in the array 40 may
significantly overlap, such as e surface coil 45a, 45b and the
surface coil pair 46, 47, one of the coils is preferably of the
co-rotating type (e.g. pair 46, 47) and the other is of the
counter-rotating type (45a, 45b). This alternation between
co-rotating and counter-rotating structures provides the bene of
improving the isolation between the coils, whose intrinsic
isolation is then maintained even if the vertical spacing between
the coils changes, the superior/inferior offset between opposing
coils changes, or the superior/inferior offset between adjacent
coils is adjusted. The superior/inferior offset between adjacent
coils may be adjusted, for example, by telescoping the surface
coils 45 through 51 and 56 through 61 toward or away from the
surface coils 45 and 55.
FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a housing 62 for the peripheral
vascular array 40. The housing 62 is constructed to position the
coils of the peripheral vascular array 40 as shown in FIG. 2B. The
housing 62 includes a tray 64 that is constructed to support the
legs of the patient. The tray 64 has a recess 66 at its distal end.
At the opposite end of the tray 64 from the recess 66, an incline
68 is formed in the upper surface of the tray 64. A lumbar support
70 extends from the tray 64 at an edge 72 adjacent to the incline
68. The lumbar support 70 includes a support surface 74 and a
positioning member 76. The positioning member 76 fixes the relative
portion of the lumbar support 70 and the tray 64. In the
alternative, the positioning member 76 may allow the lumbar support
70 to be extended from or drawn closer to the tray 64 in order to
accommodate patients of varying size. The position member 76
extends into the tray 64 at the edge 72.
The housing 62 also includes a leg support structure 78. A top
portion 80 of the leg support 78 is attached to a bottom portion 82
by a coupler 84. The coupler 84 preferably allows the position of
the top portion 80 to vary with respect to the bottom portion 82.
The leg support 78 is slidably mounted within the recess 66 in the
tray 64 so that the upper surface of the bottom portion 82 is flush
with the upper surface of the tray 64. Because the leg support 78
is slidably mounted, it may be moved to accommodate variations in
patient size.
The housing 62 further includes a cover 86. A first end 88 of the
cover 86 is shaped to fit over the top portion 80 of the leg
support 78. In this manner, the cover 86 may slide over the top of
the leg support 78 when the leg support 78 is moved along the
recess 66. A flexible extension 90 protrudes from a second end 92
of the cover 86.
The location of the surface coils within the embodiment of the
housing 62 that is shown in FIG. 3 will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. The tray 64 includes posterior
surface coils 44 and 45, with the surface coil 44 being substantial
y located below the surface of the incline 68 and the coil 45 being
located below the surface of the tray 64, extending substantially
into the recess 66. The lumbar support 70 houses osterior coils 42
and 43. The bottom portion 82 of the leg support 78 houses
posterior coils 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51, with the even-numbered
coils being located beneath the region of the patients lower right
leg and foot, and the odd-numbered coils being located beneath the
region f the patients lower left leg and foot. The top portion 80
of the leg support 78 houses anterior coils 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 and
61 in the same manner. Finally, the cover 86 houses anterior coils
52, 53, 54 and 55.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the housing 62 allows the peripheral vascular array 40 to
accommodate a wide variety of body styles, including variations in
height and weight. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, only posterior
coils 44 and 45 are fixed in position with respect to the tray 64.
The locations of the lumbar support 70, leg support 78, and cover
86 may all vary with respect to the tray 64.
In addition, the housing 62, and more particularly the tray 64 and
lumbar support 70, is preferably designed to align the peripheral
vasculature of the patient into a horizontal plane. For example,
the lumbar support 70 is located to raise the plane containing the
renal arteries with respect to the patient's pelvis, where the
external illiac is situated, so that the renal arteries and the
external illiac become generally coplanar. In a-similar manner, the
incline 68 positions the patient's thighs so as to place the
femoral arteries in the plane of the external illiac and the renal
arteries. The leg support 78 and the tray 64 then position the
popliteal and tibial arteries into approximately the same plane. By
then limiting the NMR imaging process to the region about the
horizontal plane containing the vasculature of interest, the
examination time may be reduced.
Referring again to FIG. 2B, it is evident that the cover 86 is
supported at one end by the leg support 78 and at the opposite end
by the body of the patient. The flexible extension 90, therefore
allows the anterior coils 52, 53, 54 and 55 within the cover 86 to
remain as close to the patient as possible. In accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, one or more loaded
arms (not shown) may be used to support an anterior portion of the
housing 62 away from the patient. Such loaded arm techniques are
well known to those skilled in the art.
FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C schematically illustrate the flexibility of the
peripheral vascular array 40 in accommodating a variety of body
types. As shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C the peripheral vascular
array 40 is advantageously able to maintain imaging coverage from
the renal arteries through the feet whether the patient is of
relatively small stature, such as in FIG. 4A, or large stature,
such as in FIG. 4C. This is advantageous because patients afflicted
with peripheral vascular disease are frequently significantly
larger or smaller than the average person.
The top portion 80 of the leg support 78 and the cover 86 are
preferably constructed in a lattice type framework. This reduces
the weight of the coil, making it easier for the technician to use
while at the same time improving patient comfort by allowing air to
flow around the patient to enhance cooling. In addition, the
housing 62 allows the patient's arms to remain unrestricted,
thereby reducing claustrophobic reactions that are sometimes
experienced by patients who are subjected to the close confines of
NMR scanners. Moreover, once the peripheral vascular array 40 is
adjusted to accommodate the size of the patient, no patient or coil
movement is required to complete the examination. This reduces
examination times and increases patient comfort
The surface coils 42-61 are typically formed from copper traces
having a thickness of 0.0028" and a width of 0.5". Copper bars or
tubing may alternatively be used as coil conductors. The peripheral
vascular array 40 preferably contains a practical minimum of
conductive materials. This will aid in the reduction of eddy
currents at the frequencies corresponding to NMR gradient coil wave
forms, thus minimizing the possibility of artifacts. In addition,
the peripheral vascular array 40 preferably contains a practical
minimum of ferro-magnetic materials to minimize the interaction of
the array 40 with the B.sub.0 main magnetic field of the host NMR
system.
The tray 64 is preferably made from ABS using a vacuum forming
process. The surface coils 44 and 45 are then adhered to the bottom
of the upper surface of the tray 64. The bottom portion 82 of the
leg support 78 is preferably constructed using a low-pressure
polyurethane resin to encase the surface coils. Flexible areas of
the housing 62, such as the flexible extension 90, are formed by
sandwiching the surface coils between foam and then encasing the
foam in fabric cover.
FIGS. 5 through 16 are electrical schematic diagrams of the surface
coils 42 through 61. Each of the surface coils 42 through 61
preferably includes a PIN diode. D, for switching the surface coils
42 through 61 between the receive state and an active disabled
state. This provides the advantage of decreasing undesirable coil
interaction that may reduce image quality, particularly during
unilateral imaging. As is known in the art, the surface coils are
preferably actively disabled by PIN diode switches during the RF
transmit state. In addition, FIGS. 5 through 16 show passive
blocking networks 96. The passive blocking networks 96 assist the
PIN diode switches in disabling the surface coils 42-61 during the
RF transmit state.
Furthermore, FIGS. 7 through 16 show implementations of networks
94, including component values, for isolating adjacent coils to
further improve image quality by reducing shading and aliasing
artifacts. The networks 94 in FIGS. 7 through 16 also perform the
matching and switching functions. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
mutual inductance between surface coils 42 and 43 and between
surface coils 52 and 53 is reduced by overlapping adjacent coils in
a manner that is known to those skilled in the art although
isolation networks may alternatively be used.
Referring now to FIG. 5, an electrical schematic diagram for the
surface coils 42 and 43 is provided. Each surface coil 42 and 43
includes a passive blocking network 96, loop capacitances, and an
input network 98. The input network 98 includes the PIN diode,
D.sub.1, blocking and matching elements, and a 50-Ohm lattice balun
100. The balun 100, which is also shown in FIGS. 6 through 16
(although with differing component values), suppresses common-mode
currents. Component values for the elements shown in FIG. 5 are as
follows:
Loop Components Balun 100 Input Network 98 C.sub.1, C.sub.5 = 1-16
pf L.sub.2, L.sub.3 = 142 nh C1 = 91 pf C.sub.2 = 75 pf C.sub.3,
C.sub.4 = 51 pf C2 = 100 pf C.sub.6 = 91 pf D1 = UM 9415 PIN diode
C.sub.3, C.sub.4 = 82 pf L1 = 92 nh C.sub.7, C.sub.8 = 82 pf
C.sub.9, C.sub.10 = 82 pf Diodes = Unitrode Diodes
FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coils 52 and
53. Component values for the elements shown in FIG. 6 are as
follows:
Loop Components Balun 100 Input Network 98 C.sub.1, C.sub.2 = 51 pf
L.sub.2, L.sub.3 = 142 nh C1 = 56 pf C.sub.3, C.sub.5 = 47 pf
C.sub.3, C.sub.4 = 51 ph C2 = 100 pf C.sub.4, C.sub.6 = 1-16 pf D1
= UM 9415 PIN diode L1 = 92 nh
FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coil 44. In
addition to passive blocking networks 96, loop capacitances and a
50-Ohm lattice balun 100, the surface coil 44 includes a network 94
for isolating the counter-rotating loops of the surface coil 44.
Component values for the elements shown in FIG. 7 are as
follows:
Network (Correction, Loop Components Balun 100 Decoupling &
Match) 94 C.sub.3 = 39 pf + 1-16 pf C = 51 pf C1 = 75 pf C.sub.4 =
39 pf + 1-16 pf L = 142 nh L1 = 88 nh C.sub.1 = 56 pf C2 = 75 pf
C.sub.2 = 47 pf L2 = 88 nh C.sub.5 = 47 pf L3 = 4.7 uh C.sub.6 = 56
pf C3 = .01 uf C4 = .01 uf C5 = .01 uf C6 = .01 uf Lcomp = 114 mh
Diodes = UM 9415 PIN Diode
FIG. 8 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coil 54. A
network 94 is included for isolating the co-rotating loops of the
surface coil 54. Component values for the elements shown in FIG. 8
are as follows:
Network (Correction, Loop Components Balun 100 Decoupling &
Match) 94 C.sub.1 = 47 pf C = 51 pf C1 = 56 pf C.sub.2 = 47 pf L =
142 nh L1 = 110 nh C.sub.3 = 47 pf C2 = 56 pf C.sub.4 = 47 pf L2 =
110 nh L3 = 4.7 uh Ccomp = 43 pf C3 = N/A C4 = N/A C5 = .01 uf C6 =
.01 uf Ctune = 39 pf + 1-16 pf Diodes = UM 9415 PIN Diode
FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coil 45,
which includes two counter-rotating loops 45a and 45b. A network 94
is included for isolating the loops. Component values for the
elements shown in FIG. 9 are as follows:
Network (Correction, Loop Components Balun 100 Decoupling &
Match) 94 C.sub.1 = 75 pf C = 51 pf C1 = 91 pf C.sub.2 = 68 pf +
1-16 pf L = 142 nh L1 = 88 nh C.sub.3 = 68 pf + 1-16 pf C2 = 91 pf
C.sub.4 = 75 pf L2 = 88 nh L3 = 4.7 uh Diodes = UM 9415 PIN Diode
C3 = .01 uf C4 = .01 uf C5 = .01 uf C6 = .01 uf Lcomp = 198 nh
FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coil 55,
which includes two co-rotating loops 55a and 55b. Component values
for the elements shown in FIG. 10 are as follows:
Network (Correction, Loop Components Balun 100 Decoupling &
Match) 94 C.sub.1 = 43 pf C = 51 pf C1 = 102 pf C.sub.2 = 43 pf L =
142 nh L1 = 75 nh C2 = 102 pf L2 = 72 nh L3 = 4.7 uh Ccomp = 30 pf
+ 1-16 pf C3 = 30 pf C4 = 30 pf C5 = .01 uf C6 = .01 uf Ctune = 43
pf + 1-16 pf Diodes = UM 9415 PIN Diode
FIG. 11 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coils 46 and
47. Since the surface coils 46 and 47 may be used in either
bilateral mode (both on) or unilateral mode (one on, the other
off), each of the surface coils has a 50 Ohm output 100 and a PIN
diode switch, D.sub.1. Component values for the elements shown in
FIG. 11 are as follows:
Network (Correction, Loop Components Balun Decoupling & Match)
94 C.sub.1 = 41 pf C = 51 pf C match 47 = 120 pf C.sub.2 = 51 pf +
1-16 pf L = 142 nh C block 47 = 62 pf C.sub.2 = 51 pf + 1-16 pf L
block 47 = 142 nh C.sub.4 = 41 pf L ISO 47 = 74 nh C match 46 = 91
pf C block 46 = 62 pf L block 46 = 142 nh L ISO 46 = 92 nh Diodes,
D.sub.1 = UM 9415 PIN Diode
FIG. 12 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coils 56 and
57. Like the surface coils 46 and 47, the surface coils 56 and 57
may be used in either bilateral or unilateral mode. A low-pass
phase shift and matching network 102 couples the balun 100 to the
network 94 for each coil 56 and 57. Component values for the
elements shown in FIG. 12 are as follows:
Network (Correction, Low Decoupling & Loop Components Balun 100
Pass Match 102 Match) 94 C.sub.1 = 56 pf C = 51 pf C = 24 pf C1 =
103 pf C.sub.2 = 68 L = 142 nh L = 258 nh L1 = 86 nh C.sub.3 = 75
pf + 1-16 pf C2 = 103 pf C.sub.4 = 75 pf + 1-16 pf L2 = 86 nh
C.sub.5 = 68 pf C3 = 33 pf C.sub.6 = 56 pf L3 = 198 nh L4 = 198 nh
Diodes = UM 9415 PIN Diode
FIG. 13 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coils 48 and
49. The surface coils 48 and 49 may be used in either bilateral or
unilateral mode. Component values for the elements shown in FIG. 13
are as follows:
Network (Correction, Loop Components Balun 100 Decoupling &
Match) 94 C.sub.1 = 75 pf C = 51 pf C match 49 = 270 pf C.sub.2 =
82 pf L = 142 nh C block 49 = 62 pf C.sub.3 = 75 pf + 1-16 pf L
block 49 = 142 nh C.sub.4 = 75 pf + 1-16 pf L ISO 49 = 74 nh
C.sub.5 = 82 pf C.sub.6 = 75 pf C match 48 = 240 pf C block 48 = 62
pf L block 48 = 142 nh L ISO 48 = 92 nh Diodes = UM 9415 PIN
Diode
FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coils 58 and
59. The surface coils 58 and 59 may be used in either bilateral or
unilateral mode. A low-pass phase shift and matching network 102
couples the balun 100 to the network 94 for each coil 58 and 59.
Component values for the elements shown in FIG. 14 are as
follows:
Network (Correction, Low Pass Decoupling & Loop Components
Balun 100 Matching 102 Match) 94 C.sub.1 = 91 pf C = 51 pf C = 24
pf C1 = 130 pf C.sub.2 = 91 pf L = 142 nh L = 258 nh L1 = 65 nh
C.sub.3 = 68 pf + 1-16 pf C2 = 130 pf C.sub.4 = 68 pf + 1-16 pf L2
= 65 nh C.sub.5 = 91 pf C3 = 47 pf C.sub.6 = 91 pf L3 = 142 nh L4 =
142 nh Diodes = UM 9415 PIN Diode
FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coils 50 and
51. The surface coils 50 and 51 may be used in either bilateral or
unilateral mode. A low pass phase shift and matching network 102
couples the balun 100 to the network 94 for each coil 50 and 51.
Component values for the elements shown in FIG. 15 are as
follows:
Loop Components Balun 100 Low Pass Matching 102 C.sub.1 = 68 pf C =
51 pf C = 24 pf C.sub.2 = 68 pf L = 142 nh L = 258 nh C.sub.3 = 62
pf + 1-16 pf C.sub.4 = 62 pf + 1-16 pf C.sub.5 = 68 pf C.sub.6 = 68
pf Network (Correction, Decoupling & Match) 94 C1 = 130 pf L1 =
68 nh C2 = 130 pf L2 = 68 nh C3 = 47 pf L3 = 114 nh L4 = 114 nh
Diodes = UM 9415 PIN Diode
FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram for surface coils 60 and
61. The surface coils 60 and 61 may be used in either bilateral or
unilateral mode. A low-pass phase shift and matching network 102
couples each balun 100 to the network 94. Component values for the
elements shown in FIG. 16 are as follows:
Loop Components Balun 100 Low Pass Matching 102 C.sub.1 = 110 pf C
= 51 pf C = 24 pf C.sub.2 = 91 pf L = 142 nh L = 258 nh C.sub.3 =
62 pf + 1-16 pf C.sub.4 = 62 pf + 1-16 pf C.sub.5 = 91 pf C.sub.6 =
110 pf Network (Correction, Decoupling & Match) 94 C1 = 180 pf
L1 = 45 nh C2 = 180 pf L2 = 45 nh C3 = 100 pf C4 = 100 pf L3 = 44
nh Diodes = UM 9415 Diode
As shown in FIGS. 11 through 16, the surface coil pairs in the
lower leg portion of the peripheral vascular array 40 include an
isolation network which operates to cancel the coupling due to
mutual inductance. While the mutual inductance could have
alternatively been reduced by overlapping the adjacent coils in the
surface coil pairs (46,47), (48, 49), (50,51), (56, 57), (58, 59)
and (60, 61), the use of the isolation network is preferable
because it allows the loops in the coil pairs to be significantly
smaller. As a consequence, the signal-to noise ratio is improved.
In addition, by using smaller separated coils with an isolation
network rather than overlapping larger coils, aliasing effects are
reduced. Moreover, the isolation networks allow the surface coil
pairs to operate as either a single loop (e.g. in an unilateral
mode) or as combined counter-rotating and co-rotating pairs (e.g.
in bilateral mode).
The surface coil array 10 described above may be connected to well
known scanners to obtain a variety of images. The coils are
typically connected to signal receivers in the scanners via
preamplifier inputs. The number of signal receivers in a scanner is
preferably kept small due to the cost of the signal receiver. For
example, one known scanner uses four signal receivers which may
receive signals from as many as eight preamplifier inputs. As
discussed above, a preferred surface coil array 10 may contain as
many as 20 coils 12. The coil interface 20 illustrated in FIG. 1
may be used to select groups of coils from the N surface array
coils 12(1) through 12(N) to connect to the P preamplifier inputs
to M signal receivers where N is greater than both M and P.
The coil interface 20 in FIG. 1 includes a switch 22 and a logic
circuit 24 for controlling the state of the switch 22. The logic
circuit 24 controls the state of the switch 22 according to
configurations or groups of coils 12 that are combined to produce
images targeting specific areas of the body. The configurations may
be specified by signals at a coil select input 28 from the scanner
30 in response to user input. Alternatively, signals may be
generated by other user-accessible sources, such as dip-switches or
other suitable devices that may be connected to the interface by a
cable, which may be electric or fiber optic. An infrared connection
may also be used for remote control selection of coil groups.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a scanner 300 and a 20-coil surface
coil array 120 that uses a coil interface 200 according to a
preferred embodiment. The coil interface 200 in FIG. 17 includes a
transmit/receive ("TR") driver 130, an RF switch array 220 and
control logic 240, and interfaces the surface coil array 120 to the
scanner 300 at a pre-amp array 303, which is internal to the
scanner 300. The pre-amp array 303 connects to receivers 301 via a
switching and routing circuit 302. The surface coil array 120 may,
for example, be arranged in the form of the peripheral vascular
array 40 described above with reference to FIG. 2A. The scanner 300
in a preferred embodiment is a Signa system with the phased array
option from General Electric, as described above.
As shown in FIG. 17, the control logic circuitry 240 includes an RF
switch controller 250, a TR driver controller 260 and error
checking circuitry 265. The control logic circuitry 240 receives a
coil select input 270 from the scanner 300 as the coil group
selector input. The coil select signals at the coil select input
are a four-bit digital word with DC voltage levels providing binary
logic levels. The coil select input 270 may be coupled to the lines
that connect to the coils themselves, and may thereafter, have some
RF components. Inductors L.sub.1-4 filter out any RF components so
that a DC signal is received by the control logic circuitry
240.
The control logic circuitry 240 also receives a mode signal from a
mode switch 242. The mode switch 242 allows a user to select a
unilateral right, a unilateral left or a bilateral imaging mode.
The modes are useful where right and left coils may be combined in
the bilateral mode to obtain an image with a wider field of view,
or isolated in the right or left modes to isolate a selected side.
One advantage of isolating a selected side is that an improved
signal to noise ratio is obtained thereby providing an image with a
higher resolution.
The RF switch controller 250 uses the coil select input 276 and the
mode signal from the switch 242 to select RF switch control lines
280. The selected RF switch control lines 280 enable RF switches in
the RF switch array 220, which connect selected coils from the
surface coil array 120, to couple image signals from the selected
coils to the inputs 304 of the scanner 300.
The coil select input 270 is preferably coupled to the TR driver
controller 260. The TR driver controller 260 uses the coil select
input 270 to determine which coils are going to be used for
imaging. The TR driver controller 260 outputs signals on the coil
enable inputs 261 to enable the coils that are to be used for
imaging and disable the remaining coils. The coil select input 270
advantageously permits the user to select different coil
configurations without any scan room intervention.
The coil select input 270 may, for example, be a four-bit word
generated by the scanner 300 when the user enters a request for
images requiring a certain coil configuration The user's request
may be entered at a console (not shown). Alternatively, an input
that is separate from the scanner 300 may be used. For example, a
separate keypad may be used to input signals that designate a
desired coil combination. Other inputs include, DIP switches,
toggle switches, etc. To enter the request, the user may enter the
four-bit word itself, a group identifier, a request for an image of
a body part, or any other suitable input that the scanner 300 is
programmed to understand as a group of coils or sequence of coil
groups. The four-bit word in a preferred embodiment actually has
the dual function of communicating a Transmit/Receive state to the
coils as well as providing a group configuration input. When the
scanner 300 generates a +5 v. signal on all coil select input lines
270, the scanner is in the Transit state, in which case the remote
coil is active and all of the receive coils (i.e. the coils in the
surface coil array 120) are preferably actively disabled, such as
by the PIN diode switches shown in FIGS. 5 through 16 for the
peripheral vascular array 40, and not connected to the
preamplifiers 303. When not all of the coil select input lines 270
are at +5 v., the coils connected to the preamplifiers 303 are
selected in accordance with the four-bit word.
The logic control circuitry 240 includes an error checking
controller 265 for sensing error conditions in the coils 120 or
coil interface 200. The error checking controller receives error
states from the TR driver 130 on error state lines 262, which are
described below with reference to FIG. 19. The error checking
controller 265 may also generate fault conditions on transistors
267(1)-267(4) to check for errors. Transistors 267(1)-267(4) are
normally in a non-conducting state. When switched to a conducting
state, the coil select input lines 270 may be put in an error
checking mode by switching the states of the lines to a logic 0 or
logic 1 to detect a specific fault. Conditions such as coil diode
shorts, diode opens, DC power failure and TR driver failure may be
sensed on lines 262 in response to the fault generated.
In a preferred coil interface 200, the 20 surface coils are grouped
into groups of coils that produce specific, useful images. FIG. 2A
illustrates the posterior and anterior coils 40 as COIL142,
COIL243, COIL352, COIL 453, COIL544, COIL654, COIL745, COIL855,
COIL946, COIL1047, COIL1156, COIL1257, COIL1348, COIL1449,
COIL1558, COIL1659, COIL1750, COIL1851, COIL1960 and COIL2061. FIG.
18 is a coil group table 400 that describes groups of coils 402, a
mode switch setting 404, coils selected for a group at 406, and
comments 408 describing an image obtained by selecting the group of
coils identified in each row of the table.
As shown in the coil group table 400, the Group 1 coils COIL142,
COIL243, COIL352 and COIL453 are selected in order to obtain an
image of vasculature from the renal arteries to the bifurcation.
The function of the mode switch 242 (in FIG. 17) is illustrated by
comparing Group 5 with Groups 8 and 10. In Group 5, the mode switch
242 is set to "Bilateral" as indicated in column 404. The coils
selected in Group 5 are COIL1348, COIL1449, COIL1558, COIL1659,
COIL1750, COIL1851, COIL1960 and COIL2061. The signals from these
coils are combined in pairs as shown in FIG. 18 to provide an image
of both the right and left feet By setting the mode switch 242 to
"Right" (in FIG. 17) and selecting COIL1348, COIL1558, COIL1750 and
COIL1960 as shown for Group 8, images of only the right foot and
ankle are provided.
It is to be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that
FIGS. 2A and 18 illustrate one example of a configuration of
surface coils that may be used with the coil interface of the
present invention. With changes to the coil interface that are
within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art, any number
of coils may be connected to a limited number of inputs according
to functionally defined groups.
Referring to FIG. 17, the coil select input 270 is used by the TR
driver controller 260 to enable coils that are to receive an image
signal and to disable all other coils. The TR driver controller 260
determines which coils are to be used according to the group
identified by the control select input 270. For each coil to be
used, a coil enable signal is output on a corresponding coil enable
input 261. The coil enable signal switches the TR driver 130 to the
enable state, which permits current to flow through the PIN diode
of the selected coil. The TR driver 130 maintains coils that do not
receive a coil enable signal in a disabled state to prevent noise
generated by coils from which an image signal is not desired. An
advantage of enabling only coils that will receive image signals
and disable all of the coils is that the signal to noise ratio is
improved.
In a preferred embodiment, the TR driver 130 includes a coil driver
132 for each coil (COIL1, COIL2, COIL3, COIL4) in the surface coil
array 120 as shown in FIG. 19. The coils 120(1)-120(4) are shown in
FIG. 19 with the PIN diode used to drive the coil and enable an
image RF signal to be input at the RF switch array 220. The coil
drivers 132(a)-(d) are arranged in a totem-pole configuration 134
and supplied by a current source 136. In FIG. 19, only four coil
drivers 132 are shown in a stack. Any number of coil drivers 132
may be connected in a stack. The number of coil drivers 132 in a
stack is preferably the approximate maximum number of coils that
can be simultaneously driven by the power supply.
Each coil driver 132 includes a differential switch 140(a) in which
the gates of two FETs 142(a), 144(a) of opposite type are driven by
the coil enable input 261(a). When the coil enable input 261(a)
receives a coil disable signal (logic 1, -15 v.), the first FET
142(a) provides a current path 146 for current away from the coil
120(1). When the coil enable input 261(a) receives a coil enable
signal (logic 0, 5 v.), the second FET 144(a) provide a current
path 147 for current through the coil 120(1).
One advantage of using the totem pole configuration shown in FIG.
19 is that the number of coils that can be driven at one time is
maximized. For example, if the PIN diodes in the coils are driven
by a -10 v (-v=-10 v.) power supply that can provide up to 800 mA,
the power supply may sag to about -8.5 due to wiring losses. Using
the tot pole configuration, and assuming about a 0.9 v. drop per
diode, 9 diodes may be simultaneously driven by the single current
source 136. If each coil driver 132(a)-(d) and coil diode were to
be driven by the power supply in parallel, four or fewer diodes may
be driven simultaneously in parallel. Although power supplies may
vary according to the type of NMR scanner used, the advantages
offered by the totem pole configuration, particularly that of
maximizing the number of coil drivers, are still available.
Another advantage of the totem pole configuration is that
error-checking functions may be incorporated into the coil
interface by sensing the state of the voltage levels at selected
points in the coil drivers 132(a)-(d). In a preferred embodiment,
at least four error conditions may be sensed: coil diode open, coil
diode short, transistor (FET) open, transistor (FET) short.
The error conditions in a preferred embodiment may be sensed by
generating fault conditions as described above with reference to
FIG. 17, and by using an upper error switch 145(a)(1) and a lower
error switch 145(a)(2) each having digital outputs to the logic
circuit 262(a)(1) and 262(a)(2), respectively. The FET transistor
142(a) and FET transistor 144(a) must be in opposite states at all
times. If outputs 262(a)(1) and 262(s)(2) of the upper and lower
error switches 145(a)(1), 145(a)(2) are in the same state, a diode
open or a diode short is sensed.
For example, if coil enable input 261(a) has an enable signal, the
FET transistor 144(a) is in the `ON` state thereby providing
current to the diode in COIL1; an the FET transistor 142(a) is in
the `OFF` state. When the FET transistor 144(a) is `ON`, the lower
error switch 145(a)(2) is `ON` and when the FET transistor 142(a)
is `OFF`, the upper error switch 145(a)(2) is `OFF`. If the coil
PIN diode for COIL1 is open, the lower e or switch 145(a)(2) will
remain in the `OFF` state even when an enable signal (5 v is
received. Both 262(a)(1) and 262(a)(2) outputs will be sensed in
the low state by the logic circuit 240. In a preferred embodiment,
the scanning will be aborted when an error is detected.
A window comparator 151 is used in a preferred embodiment to detect
transistor open or transistor short conditions when outputs Q.sub.0
and Q.sub.1 are in opposite states and therefore appear normal. If
a transistor (such as 142(a), 144(a), etc.) is open, not enough
current is being drawn through R.sub.error (2.8 ohms). The window
comparator 151 will detect a voltage at 153 that is greater than
V.sub.ul. If a transistor is shorted, too much current will be
detected by the window comparator when the voltage at 153 is lower
than V.sub.ll.
The groups in the coil group table 400 in FIG. 18 may be selected
using the RF switch array 220 in FIG. 17. FIG. 20 shows an
implementation of the RF switch array 220. The RF switch array 220
in FIG. 20 includes RF switches SW1-SW20 and RF combiners CMB1-CMB6
connected in the configuration shown. The RF switches SW1-SW20 are
enabled by control inputs 280. Control inputs 280 each include one
or more control lines that are controlled by the logic circuit 240
as described below with reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B.
The configuration of RF switches SW1-SW20 and combiners CMB1-CMB6
determines the surface coils to be selected for input of the image
signal according to the groups selected from the coil selection
input 270 and mode switch 242 (in FIG. 17). The RF switches
SW1-SW20 may include the switches illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21C, as
well as variations of the switches in FIGS. 21A-21C.
The switches in FIGS. 21A-21C use PIN diodes as the preferred
switching element. PIN diodes are fast, non-magnetic switches that
may have a resistance on the order of a few ohms in the `on`
state.
FIG. 21A illustrates a single RF switch having one control input
450 controlling a single PIN diode D1. The RF switch input 460 is
coupled to a coil with an RF imaging signal that may include a DC
voltage. When the control input 450 is set to a voltage that is
sufficiently positive to forward bias the PIN diode D1, the diode
D1 switches to a conducting state and behaves like a resistor. The
diode D1 conducts the RF imaging signal at the input through
capacitors C1 and C2, which block any DC components, to RF switch
output 470. The inductors L1 and L2 filter out the RF signal from
the control input 450 and from ground allowing the signal to be
coupled to the output 470.
FIG. 21B illustrates an RF switch having a single input 460 that
can switch to either of two outputs 470a and 470b. The RF signal
coupled to RF switch input 460 is output to output 470a when
control input 450a forward biases diode D1 and to output 470b when
control output 450b forward biases diode D2. In one variation of
the switch in FIG. 20B, multiple PIN Diodes D1, D2 may share the
same control input 450.
FIG. 21C illustrates an RF switch having multiple inputs and a
single output. Each input 460a, 460b, 460c couples to a respective
diode D1, D2, D3. The diodes D1, D2, D3 are connected to a common
output 470. When the control input 450a, 450b, or 450c
corresponding to the diode D1, D2 or D3 forward biases the diode,
the signal at the input is coupled to the RF output 470. Multiple
PIN Diodes D1, D2 may share the same control input 450.
FIGS. 22A-22B are schematic representations of RF switch array 220
illustrating the components in RF switches SW1-SW20 and combiners
CMB1-CMB6. RF switches SW1, SW2 and SW5 are shown with RF switch
control inputs 450, RF switch inputs 460 and RF switch outputs 470
labeled according to the conventions in FIGS. 21A-21C. The RF
control inputs 450 for each switch interface to the RFS1-RFS33
lines on ports P2 and P4. Ports P2 and P4 in a preferred embodiment
interface to the control logic 240 which includes circuitry for
selecting coils.
FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate the control of RF switches by
selectively enabling RFS1-RFS33. For example, if the coil select
input designates a coil group, the RF switch controller 250
determines which RF switch or switcher are to be enabled The coil
enable signal (i.e. logic or +5V in a preferred embodiment) is
output by the RF switch controller 266 in the control logic
circuitry 240 on RFS03. The 5V signal forward biases diode D1. With
Diode D1 forward biased, the RF signal at coil 8 is output by SW1
at RF switch output 470.
As shown in FIG. 22A, the output 470 of switch SW1 is coupled to
bit A of the coil select input 270. Capacitor C2 blocks the DC
voltage signal applied to the output 470 when the coil select input
270 selects a coil group. By blocking DC signals capacitor C2
permits Diode D1 to be forward biased.
The combiners CMB1-CMB6 are typical RF signal combiners such as
Wilkerson combiners that are used to combine RF imaging signals
from two separate coils. For example, Groups 4 and 5 in FIG. 18 use
signals that are a combination of RF imaging signals from different
coils.
The preamplifiers 303 in the scanner 300 are generally sensitive to
source impedance, which in FIG. 17, for example, is dependent upon
the RF electrical characteristics of the coil interface 200 and the
surface coil array 120. This sensitivity is typically quantified in
terms of the noise figure of the preamplifiers 303.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the RF design of the coil interface 200 and the surface coil array
120 minimizes the effect of this sensitivity by presenting the
preamplifiers 303 with substantially the same source impedance,
regardless of the mode of operation (left, right or bilateral) of
surface coil array 20. This may be accomplished by setting the
electrical length of the entire transmission path from the surface
coil to the preamplifier 303 to be equal to an odd multiple of
quarter wavelengths. Since the combiners CMB1-CMB6 in the RF switch
220 are in the transmission path for bilateral imaging and out of
the transmission path for unilateral imaging, the bilateral imaging
transmission path includes additional phase delay from the
combiners CMB1-CMB6, which may be compensated for by using a phase
advance T network, in series with the combiners CMB1-CMB6. In a
similar manner, a p network may be used to adjust the electrical
length of the unilateral imaging transmission path. The
implementations of T and p phase-shifting networks are well known
to those skilled in the art.
The selection of coils for the input of RF imaging signals is
accomplished by the control logic 240 which uses the coil select
input 270 and mode select switch 242 (in FIG. 17) to output control
signals on the RFS1-RFS33 lines 280. FIG. 23A illustrates a
programmable logic device (PLD) U93 used to output control signals
RES1-RFS33 in response to the coil select input 270 and mode switch
242. The PLD U93 output control signals at outputs PLD101-PLD133.
FIG. 23B is a table that illustrates the RFSxx signal that
corresponds to the PLDxxx signals in FIG. 23A. FIG. 23B also
illustrates the states of coil select input 270 and the states of
mode select switch 242. The states of the RSFxx lines at 280
corresponding to the states of the coil select input 270 and mode
select switch 242 are also provided in FIG. 23B. A state of `0` for
RSFxx indicates that the corresponding switch is enabled. The
logical `0` in a preferred embodiment is set at 5 v. while the
logical `1` is set at -15 v. The state of `0` therefore forward
biases the PIN diode at the control input of the switch
corresponding to the specified RSFxx line.
FIG. 23C shows the states of the coil enable inputs 261 according
to the coil select input 270 and mode switch 242. FIG. 23C
illustrates the coils selected for various states of the coil
select input 270 and the mode select switch 242. By referring to
FIGS. 23B and 23C, one of ordinary skill in the art can determine
the combinations of RF switches SW1-SW20 and coil enable inputs 261
used to select coils for the desired coil groups.
In accordance with a preferred method for imaging the peripheral
vasculature with the peripheral vascular array 40, a combination of
contrast study and time-of-flight imaging is utilized. Generally
speaking, the use of a contrast agent, such as Gadolinium, will
improve image quality and reduce inspection times. Such contrast
agents are, however, relatively expensive and the imaging of the
entire peripheral vasculature would require a substantial amount of
the contrast agent The method therefore utilizes a contrast agent
for imaging only those areas where time-of-flight imaging is
difficult.
In particular, the method includes the step of performing a
contrast study of the renal arteries and the abdominal bifurcation
by acquiring image information using surface coils 42, 43, 52 and
53. The timing of image acquisition is coordinated with the
injection of the contrast agent in any known manner. Time-of-flight
imaging is then utilized to acquire image information from the
vasculature in the legs, using, for example, surface coils 44
through 49 and 54 through 59. Images of the feet may be obtained
using either the contrast study or the time-of-flight technique by
acquiring image information from surface coils 50, 51, 60 and
61.
In the alternative, images of the peripheral vasculature may be
obtained using the peripheral vascular array 40 with only
time-of-flight imaging. This technique, however, may require longer
examination times due to the difficulty of using time-of-flight
imaging to acquire image information in structures having sagittal
plane blood flow, such as the renal arteries.
In accordance with another preferred method, the peripheral
vascular array 40 acquires successive adjacent axial images in
timed relation to the progression of a bolus of contrast agent
through the peripheral vasculature. This is made possible by the
large area covered by the peripheral vascular array 40, which
allows images from the renal arteries through the feet to be
obtained without repositioning the array 40.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with
presently preferred embodiments of the invention, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variations may be
made without departure from the scope and spirit of the invention.
The true scope and spirit of the invention is defined by the
appended claims, interpreted in light of the foregoing
description.
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